Let's turn to Woodward, who recently said he hasn’t been motivated to play pool “since before Covid.”
The best reasons to pick him are his unquestionable talent and his experience playing in the Mosconi. It’s not his performance or attitude.
Woodward didn't just have an off-year. The number of events he’s played in are among the fewest of any year since he became pro. The first time he’ll leave the U.S. this year for an event outside the country is the 10-Ball Championship in Vietnam next week.
As a result, Woodward’s earnings are on track to be the lowest since 2013 if the pandemic year is omitted. And the biggest chunk of what he earned in 2026 was being part of a three-man team at the World Team Championships.
Big wins? None in 9 ball this year. None, nada, zippo. He got knocked out early in the Florida and U.S. opens and didn’t look especially good. He has ZERO wins over a top 100 Fargo player in 9 ball in 2026.
His only good wins in individual play this year were in 8 ball. He beat Justin Bergman, Carlos Biado and Oliver Szolnoki before bowing out in the final 16 at the World 8-ball Championship.
His performance this year was bad enough. But his effort was even worse. He admitted to not practicing much before recent tournaments. Sjm probably didn’t see or read Woodward’s remarks, but here’s what he said during the U.S. Open.
https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/mosconi-reyes-wpm-rankings.589389/post-8501520
Woodward said he is motivated now. He said the other day he hopes he makes the Mosconi team. He knows he is in danger of being left off, missing out on some guaranteed money and perhaps losing sponsors.
